Black, Gay, British, Christian, Queer: The Church and the Famine of Grace

by Jarel Robinson-Brown

If the church is ever tempted to think that it has its theology of grace sorted, it need only look at its reception of queer black bodies and it will see a very different story.

In this honest, timely and provocative book, Jarel Robinson-Brown argues that there is deeper work to be done if the body of Christ is going to fully accept the bodies of those who are black and gay.

A vital call to the Church and the world that Black, Queer, Christian lives matter, this book seeks to remind the Church of those who find themselves beyond its fellowship yet who directly suffer from the perpetual ecclesial terrorism of the Christian community through its speech and its silence.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, LGBT, Christianity, Religion

208 pages, Paperback

Published July 30, 2021

Reviews

[Julia Alberino · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never really know how to rate these books that I am assigned to read for classes. For this one, let me just say that I learned a lot about the Anglican Church in England. The author also has a good grasp of and way of communicating the nature of grace as I understand the concept. And his take on the need for reform of the institutional church is akin to some of his U.S. counterparts. That said, I feel this book would be of great interest to those self-identifying as Black, Gay, British, Christian, Queer, or all of the above. Others may find comfort in the prayers, many of them by the author, included in the Appendix.

[Rhiannon Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent exploration of marginalised theological perspectives and how the church needs to change, even to be abolished and rebuilt, to be truly anti-racist and LGBTQ+ inclusive. I especially appreciated his points about the need to welcome and value desire, especially the desire to be together, as part of a healthy community.

[Molly Leyden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tough read: structure was more like an essay than I would’ve liked. Invaluable commentary & perspective, nevertheless. Grateful for Jarel’s frank condemnation of White, heteronormative, power-hungry Christianity.

[Liam Malia · Rating 5 out of 5]

a challenging, uplifting prophetic voice to the church and britain at large. as a white gay trans person this was both comforting and discomfiting and had a lot to say to me. should be required reading for all c of e bishops!

[Valour · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has taken me two years to read this book to completion, having ordered it in paperback the second it was available. Not because it is in any way a subpar text - in fact it is the precise opposite. This book is a serious theological examination of the ways in which Black LGBTQ Christians are sinfully denied respect, grace and equality within the Church.

It is in depth and well rounded. Father Robinson-Brown is well read from Patristics to popular culture and this is demonstrated throughout the text. While I am not a Black LGBTQ+ Christian, I am a queer, trans Christian, and specifically an Anglican in the Church of England and I can regrettably attest to the Famine of Grace he describes. I long for (and am actively working towards!) the downfall of the White heteronormative Jesus that has led us into this position of anti-Christian bigotry and exclusion.

This is a challenging text - and it should be. It is reminiscent of both the great Professor James H Cone, and the great James Baldwin. Jarel does not make allowances anywhere for the hypocritical sensitivities of white heterosexuals - and nor should he. This book is not here to support, mollify or pander to them. It is instead written to speak truth to power. It is written to affirm Black LGBTQ+ Christians. It is written in the tradition of Liberation Theology and there is much in it that offers food for thought to Libération Theologians who are not Black or Queer.

I am so glad for every minute this text has taken me to read it. I think this is one of those texts that I will carry in my soul, and so for that, I can only thank G-d, for the gift that is Fr Jarel Robinson-Brown.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A combination of poetry and essays, this book identifies a clear issue with the church, it’s lack of grace towards Black LGBTQI+ people. With case studies from Christians and scholars through the ages, the book tells us where we are going wrong and what we need to do to fix the problem, to return to the message of the Gospels, of all-encompassing grace. At times a little complex to read, but still very much enjoyed! Thank you for this much needed contribution.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book that loudly proclaims God's grace - a message at once incredibly simple and yet so difficult for Christians to grasp. The most powerful part of the book is the final chapter, where Robinson-Brown names the non-existence of the Church that loves as Jesus loved, and the false White 'Church' that stands in its place.

[Richard Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

A superbly powerful critique of how the church down the centuries has betrayed the message of Jesus in its treatment of Black and/or LGBTQ+ folk, and how it must be born again - or “abolished” as Robinson-Brown puts it - so that it might truly communicate the all embracing grace and love of God. A challenging and enjoyable read!

[Hannah Bestwick · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a very interesting read, insightful, and clearly very heartfelt. At times the writing style is very hard to get through, and sometimes the comparisons made feel weak. But this book made me think about things in brand new ways, and for that i am thankful.

[Mary Foxe · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF.